PUBLIC RELATIONS

Skot Communications becomes a new player on the Nigerian PR scene

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2024

Global PR giant Hill & Knowlton exits the local market, as Skot takes over its staff complement and client base.

Skot Communications has become a new player on the Nigerian public relations scene following its acquisition of the business and assets of Hill & Knowlton Nigeria.

 

The new business venture opened its doors this month and is headed by Tokunboh George-Taylor, who was previously managing director of Hill & Knowlton Nigeria, which she helped establish in 2015.

Tokunboh George-Taylor. Photo via LinkedIn

Skot takes over the staff complement of 21 people, as well as the client base. These include Netflix, Visa, GE Vernova, Dorman Long, Shell and FBNQuest Merchant Bank.

 

The new public relations agency is based in Lagos and London and, according to a media statement, is positioned as a global strategic communications consultancy with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. It works across sectors including financial and professional services, energy, consumer, technology, healthcare, entertainment and sports, and education and women.

 

George-Taylor has extensive experience in PR. Before joining Hill & Knowlton, she headed corporate services and corporate communications for Oando, one of Africa’s largest integrated energy groups. She also served on the group leadership council.

 

Building on the Hill & Knowlton foundation

 

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting new journey. Building upon the strong foundation laid by Hill & Knowlton, Skot Communications is committed to delivering the highest standards of public relations and communications services to our clients, with local and global insights to drive transformative growth,” George-Taylor says. 

 

“We remain dedicated to exceeding expectations while simultaneously expanding our offerings to adapt to the evolving Nigerian market and media communications landscape.” 

 

Hill & Knowlton Nigeria is owned by WPP Scangroup, the African subsidiary of WPP plc. The latter is a British multinational communications, advertising, public relations, technology, and commerce holding company headquartered in London. 

 

HK Nigeria continues to exist as a non-operating subsidiary of WPP Scangroup. 

 

In a cautionary announcement to investors late last year, ahead of the Skot Communications deal, WPP Scangroup said it aimed to “strategically reallocate resources towards our primary markets, enhancing our core business operations and therefore contributing to long-term success”. 

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.